Commission adopts fats‑oils‑grease rules; staff to consider variance language for small businesses

The commission approved second reading of an ordinance establishing a city FOG management program. The ordinance codifies state requirements and Florida Building Code/Plumbing & Drainage Institute sizing methods, requires grease interceptors or under‑sink units sized to facility flows, and recommends cleaning schedules (about every 90 days or facility‑appropriate). It also authorizes inspections, administrative compliance actions and enforcement.

Several small‑business concerns were raised during public comment and by commissioners: speakers asked whether lower‑throughput restaurants could use smaller under‑sink units, and whether variance language could limit hauling frequency or the required minimum size. The city attorney and engineering staff said they will review possible variance language (some other jurisdictions allow frequency or size variances based on measured grease load) and return with draft language that keeps the city in compliance with state rules while reducing burdens on qualifying small operations.